A moment on December 8, 2022, changed the trajectory of Baker Mayfield's NFL career. After being cut by the Carolina Panthers and claimed by the Los Angeles Rams, Mayfield joined his new team in L.A. and suited up for the Thursday Night Football clash against the Raiders, looking at the playbook on the plane. After absorbing the offense in a two-day span, Mayfield accomplished the improbable.
Down 16-10 with 1:45 on the clock and no timeouts, Mayfield orchestrated a 98-yard scoring drive for a stunning 17-16 victory over the Raiders. This drive became a harbinger of things to come, revitalizing the journeyman's career. Mayfield took command and guided the Rams to a win as time seemingly suspended. A shallow crosser to Ben Skowronek – his second of two critical plays - set up a first down at the Raiders' 23-yard line and Mayfield spiked the ball with 15 seconds on the clock.
Van Jefferson ran a go route and was left one-on-one against undrafted rookie corner Sam Webb. Mayfield identified safety Duron Harmon drifting in the middle of the field and dropped a dime to Jefferson in the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown with 10 seconds remaining. Mayfield's effort proved spellbinding and the legend was born.
In Week 12 on Sunday for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mayfield will make his first trip back to SoFi Stadium, the place where magic unfolded. On Wednesday as the Bucs gear up to face the 8-2 Rams, a team on a five-game winning streak, Mayfield reminisced on the remarkable 98-yard drive that altered his course.
"There is no way for me to sugar coat it," said Mayfield "It was pivotal in my career and in my journey. I have told you guys that it helped me find the joy in football again and just getting to learn from those guys. It looks a lot different now that Raheem Morris is gone, Zac Robinson, Liam [Coen], but Sean [McVay] has been there so they helped me out and helped me discover what offense they want to play in and the responsibility that comes with that. It was a lot of accountability at the line of scrimmage and checking at the right plays but it was instrumental in my career and something I am forever grateful for."
